The Archdiocese of Évora announced that the next pastoral year will be dedicated to the theme "Christian Community: Fidelity and Renewal," marking the beginning of a three-year period centered on local structures. Father Mário Tavares presented the main lines of this plan during a clergy meeting on Monday, stating that each community must embrace the aspiration to be faithful to the deposit of faith and have the bold wisdom of renewal.
The plan is organized around four main axes: the formation of laity, the enhancement of pastoral councils, the promotion of lay ministries, and the strengthening of the permanent diaconate. According to an archdiocesan statement, a new group of candidates will begin their formation experience towards diaconal ordination, in a formation process coordinated by the Higher Institute of Theology of Évora.
The general clergy meeting also included the presentation of the "Eco Churches Portugal" program, confirming that the Parish of Nossa Senhora da Saúde will host a pilot project for this initiative. The session began with a reflection by Archbishop D. Francisco Senra Coelho on the commitment to the unity of the diocesan Church, also serving to welcome newly arrived priests to the territory.
The prelate recommended the mobilization of parishes for Diocesan Church Day, celebrated on October 5, the date chosen for the official opening of the pastoral programming.
